From the Cellar to the World #5: How Art Transforms the City and Our Perception of Public Space – Martin Pošta
New episode of the From Cellar to the World podcast brings us an interview with Martin Pošta, founder and director Signal Festival. This annual festival of light transforms Prague into a unique open-air gallery where art and technology intersect. In this episode, Martin and I chat about the festival's origins, its evolution, cooperation with PrusaLab and the challenges the festival faces. What are the most interesting installations and what awaits us in the future? Take a peek behind the scenes of one of Europe's largest light art festivals!
The origins of the Signal Festival
At the start of the podcast, Martin Pošta looks back at the festival's beginnings when the first edition was created in 2012. With big ambitions, but also uncertainty, the team was creating a new festival format that had not previously existed in the Czech Republic. Martin describes the shock brought by the first year, when it was necessary to convince the public, partners, and city authorities that light art installations could appeal to a wide audience. And how surprised they were when they even had to stop the escalators in the underground because of the visitors!
Organisation and funding: How to set up a festival of light?
Martin analyses in detail the complexity of organising a festival in public space. Every year it is a huge production challenge – from the logistical planning of installations to working with local authorities and partners. Signal Festival also has unique funding that combines public sources, corporate partners and ticket revenue. Martin explains how the festival manages growth even though funding is uncertain and dynamic every year.
Collaboration with PrusaLab: Art and technology hand in hand
One of the important collaborations that the Signal Festival has established is the partnership with PrusaLab through the joint open call Signal Calling. Since 2019, they have been creating installations together that combine 3D printing and artistic visions. In the podcast, you will learn more about specific projects, such as the installation Reflex, which became one of the highlights of the festival and whose iteration Fluidum even represented the Czech Republic at EXPO in Dubai.
What will the future bring?
The Festival of Light changes every year and adapts to new trends. Martin shares his visions for the future – above all, a desire to create a permanent space for the presentation of digital art, which would give the festival another dimension and enable the presentation of works of art all year round. Another major new addition is the educational project Signal Forum, which aims to bring new knowledge in the field of digital art and technology.
Listen to the full podcast episode and find out everything behind the organisation of the Signal Festival, how they work with public space and what awaits us in future editions! The festival will take place from 10 to 13 October and this year it will offer several new features, including installations created in cooperation with PrusaLab.
